ANAHEIM, Calif.-
A plan to put 1,500 condos and apartments within the shadows of Disneyland is drawing criticism from Walt Disney Co. officials, who argue such housing would be an eyesore located that close to the company’s amusement parks.
The City Council has embraced the project, which calls for 1,300 condominiums and 200 low-cost apartments, in hopes of easing a housing shortage.
Disney officials agree housing is a pressing issue in the city of 350,000 people, but that it doesn’t belong outside the gates to Disneyland and Disney’s adjacent California Adventure park.
“It’s like owning a wonderful house in a wonderful neighborhood,” said Ed Chuchla, Disneyland’s vice president of corporate real estate. “You care about the house and what could impact it.”
City Councilwoman Lorri Galloway said the debate has highlighted her concerns over the future direction of Anaheim’s resort district.
“Disney is looking at a time when you didn’t have to make 25 bucks an hour to live in a two-bedroom apartment,” Galloway said of the city’s largest employer. “Time and society have altered that plan naturally. Disney is just going to have to change with the times.”
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